Progesterone

Overview of Progesterone

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone which, along with other female hormones, helps to prepare the female body for pregnancy and maintains a proper menstrual cycle. The Progesterone Test is performed to measure the levels of progesterone in blood.

Why is Progesterone done?

To identify the cause of female infertility by helping track ovulation (release of egg from ovary)

To help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (a condition where the fertilized egg is implanted somewhere other than the uterus)

To monitor the treatment with progesterone hormone

To monitor the health of the fetus and placenta, especially in high risk pregnancy

To determine the cause of abnormal bleeding from the uterus

What does Progesterone Measure?

The progesterone test measures the levels of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone which helps to prepare the female body for pregnancy and maintain normal menstrual cycle and coordinate with other female hormones. Every month, the menstrual cycle begins with an increase in the level of estrogen hormone. This causes thickening of the inner lining of the uterus called endometrium. This coincides with an increase in levels of luteinizing hormone which induces the release of an egg from the ovary. Subsequently, a structure called corpus luteum forms on the ovary at the site where the egg was released. The corpus luteum produces progesterone hormone which arrests the endometrial growth and prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg.

At this juncture one of two things may happen. If the egg remains unfertilized, the corpus luteum slowly breaks down and progesterone levels fall. This induces breakdown of the endometrial lining and menstrual bleeding starts. However, if the egg is fertilized and attaches to the endometrium, the corpus luteum does not degenerate and continues progesterone secretion, thereby maintaining the thickened endometrial lining. After a few weeks of pregnancy, the placenta becomes fully formed and takes over the function of progesterone secretion till the completion of pregnancy. Therefore, increased progesterone levels are seen in pregnancy.

Levels of progesterone also fluctuates during normal menstrual cycle. Progesterone is secreted in much lower amounts in males, and is considered to play a small role in sperm development.

Few cancers can also result in abnormal progesterone levels in men and women.

Preparation for Progesterone

No special preparation required

Sample Type for Progesterone

The sample type collected for Progesterone is: Blood

Interpreting Progesterone results

Interpretations

If the result of a single progesterone test falls outside the normal range, it cannot be considered an abnormal result since progesterone levels change continuously. Abnormal results appear if the patient’s blood progesterone levels fall outside the normal range in multiple subsequent tests.

Apart from pregnancy, higher than normal progesterone levels can be seen in cases of:

Frequently Asked Questions about Progesterone

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood from a blood vessel in your arm. The healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You will feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected will then be sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. What factors can affect the progesterone test results?

The factors which can affect the progesterone test results are:
· Certain medications like steroids, birth control pills, ampicillin, clomiphene etc.
· Recent exposure to radioactive substances, as in the case of undergoing imaging scans like Thyroid Scan or Bone scan
· Time of day as progesterone levels fluctuate during day
· Phase of menstrual cycle

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal progesterone result?

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About Thyrocare Laboratories

Thyrocare Technologies Limited is India's first and most advanced Totally Automated Laboratory having its strong presence in more than 2000 cities / towns in India and internationally.
Thyrocare is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries.
Thyrocare operates with a Centralized Processing Laboratory (CPL) in Mumbai - India for esoteric tests; and Regional Processing Laboratory in major metro cities of India and other parts of Asia. We have focus on strong technologies, strong brands and strong systems that enable all laboratories to give their clients the best of science and technology at an affordable cost.
With a belief that 'Quality' is the heart of any intelligent management, Thyrocare became one of the first Indian diagnostic laboratories to obtain internationally renowned quality accreditations like ISO 9001-2000 rating as early as 2001, which is now escalated to ISO 9001:2008; NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) in 2005 and CAP (College of American Pathologists) certification in 2007.